In the U. S. , headcollars are known as halters.
In the U. S. , rugs are commonly known as blankets. Use slow movements to avoid scaring or startling the animal. Avoid throwing your arms up or moving suddenly. Make sure that the rug is facing the right way on the horse, so that the front and back of the rug are oriented towards the front and back of the horse. If the rug is on backwards, flip it around before you’ve fully unfolded it.
Note that the breast straps should easily overlap in the front and there should be enough room for you to put your hand between the rug and the horse. After you have fastened the breast straps, slide the rug backwards, so that it is farther down your pony’s neck, this makes the rug more comfortable for your horse or pony.
When fastening the surcingles, avoid making them too tight around the horse’s stomach. You should be able to fit a fist between each strap and the animal’s belly. Make sure that the straps are in good working order to prevent one from falling off, which could cause the horse to get its leg caught in it. It may be helpful to have someone help you so you don’t have to crouch beneath the horse/pony to grab the surcingles in order to pull them under the horse to the side you’re standing on.
Do not stand directly behind the horse when fastening the leg straps. If startled, it may kick out with a hind leg. Rugs that are designed for ponies typically do not have leg straps. If you’re putting a rug on a pony, you can skip this step.
The fillet strap will function in the place of leg straps to hold the pony’s rug in place.
Tail flaps, compared to fillet strings, are mostly cosmetic and not necessary to hold the rug in place.
